Ameloblastin is a specific protein found in tooth enamel. Although less than 5% of enamel consists of protein, ameloblastins constitute 5–10% of all enamel protein, making it the second most abundant enamel matrix protein.[6] This protein is formed by ameloblasts during the early secretory to late maturation stages of amelogenesis. Although not completely understood, the function of ameloblastins is believed to be in controlling the elongation of enamel crystals and generally directing enamel mineralization during tooth development. Ameloblastin helps in the growth of a crystalline enameloid layer consisting of randomly oriented short enamel crystals.[7] Ameloblastin cleavage products are found in the sheath space between rod and interrod enamel, while intact ameloblastin accumulates on the enamel rods. This difference in localization is thought to maintain the boundary between rod and interrod enamel.[6][8]
Ameloblastin is generally implicated in enamel development, but may also have a role in root development.[6] Other possible actions include bone remodeling and repair, although this function has yet to be definitively proven.[6]
Mutations in AMBN cause amelogenesis imperfecta, a disease characterized by abnormal enamel formation resulting in discolored, pitted, or spotted enamel.[9] These mutations are rare, and follow an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.[6]
Toyosawa S, Fujiwara T, Ooshima T, Shintani S, Sato A, Ogawa Y, et al. (October 2000). "Cloning and characterization of the human ameloblastin gene". Gene. 256 (1–2): 1–11. doi:10.1016/s0378-1119(00)00379-6. PMID11054529.
Lee SK, Krebsbach PH, Matsuki Y, Nanci A, Yamada KM, Yamada Y (December 1996). "Ameloblastin expression in rat incisors and human tooth germs". The International Journal of Developmental Biology. 40 (6): 1141–1150. PMID9032019.
Niu CH, Li TJ (November 2006). "[Mutation and polymorphism of the ameloblastin gene in ameloblastomas]". Zhonghua Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Kouqiang Yixue Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Stomatology (in Chinese). 41 (11): 678–681. PMID17331365.
